WHAT'S AVAILABLE: Latest Headtorches

After the clocks go back, many mountain rescue teams report an increase in callouts to those not carrying a torch. To avoid benightment and bewilderment in the hills, here follows a couple of useful links and a round up of a few headtorches available this Autumn/Winter.

"You want to squeeze in an extra multi-pitcher on Gable Crag but it takes longer than you thought. Someone in your team sprains their ankle near the summit of Glyder Fawr and you have to snail pace it back to Ogwen Cottage. At sunset you find your path blocked by fallen rocks and the alternative route involves a 7km detour... Although good planning and solid daytime navigation are your first defence against getting caught out after dark, there are still loads of reasons why darkness can catch you out while still far from basecamp."

Here follows a selection of the latest headtorches for Autumn/Winter 2011, priced from £12.50 including P&P to £85, along with handy accessories: the Petzl CORE rechargeable battery and the Mammut Ambient Light headtorch light diffuser.

The new X-Shot Ambient Light converts the X-Shot from a torch to a diffused light. Weight: 35g, RRP: £12.

Mammut X-Shot RRP £85

(See below)

A new multi-functional headlamp designed with mountaineers in mind. Total Reflex Optic combines HiFlux LED for the spotlight with two lateral definition LEDs for the floodlight.

200 lumens

Very high light values and 4 light options ensure perfect vision in every situation.

Petzl Tikka Plus2 RRP £40

The Tikka Plus 2 headtorch integrates two light sources for versatility: one white, high-output LED and one red LED. The white LED delivers an impressive 50 lumens in maximum mode and lights up to 35m. In economic mode, it can reach a burn-time of 140 hours. The red LED provides spare lighting to preserve night vision or to become a safety strobe light for biking etc.

Three white lighting modes (maximum, economic and flashing mode)

Two red lighting modes: continuous and strobe

Electronic push-button switch

Battery pack easy to open

Light beam can be aimed

Battery charge indicator light (comes on when the headlamp illuminates for less than 5m and there is only 50% burn-time remaining for proximity lighting)

Petzl CORE rechargeable battery

Designed for the TIKKA 2 - ZIPKA 2 line of headlamps, the CORE battery offers an advantage over regular batteries. It is very easy to insert and can be charged via any standard USB charger: a cell phone charger, a multimedia device, cigar lighter charger, or even a solar panel, a portable energy source, a computer, etc.

The CORE offers excellent performance at low temperatures, thanks to Lithium Ion Polymer technology. With the OS by Petzl software, the user can customize headlamp performance in a number of ways: for example, to adapt the lighting intensity or battery life to the type of activity.

The Alpkit Gamma £12.50 (inc P and P)

A compact, lightweight, multifunction LED headtorch. The main XPC Cree LED produces up to 88 lumens for maximum illumination, whilst to save on battery life the 5mm LED offers ample light for many night time tasks. The red and green lights offer versatility in the mountain environment for maintaining night vision and reading contours. A rear red light on the battery pack with optional strobe mode adds further functionality, ideal for added safety when walking down dark country lanes. The Gamma can also be easily mounted on handle bars or helmet for bike use.

Instant off from any mode

XPC Cree LED or 5mm LED modes

Single multi operation button

Pivotable head unit

Emergency strobe mode

Adjustable elastic headband

Water resistant: tested to IPX4

Duracell batteries included

IPX4 Water Resistance

The IPX4 rating means the torch has been tested for 'Ingress protection' - the torch will be fine for water splashing against the torch from any direction, the test uses 10litres of water per minute for 5 minutes. With no harmful effect to the torch.1 x XPC Cree LED (up to 88 lumens)

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